As the nation celebrates National Mentoring Month, the board and staff at Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC want to let the community know how much mentors matter. Through their attention and caring, Big Brothers and Big Sisters help young people facing adversity improve in areas such as school, behavior and self-esteem.

Today, as BBBS of Haywood County strives to match more youth from the waiting list with caring mentors, all are encouraged to ask the positive role models that they know — friends, co-workers, and family members — to consider mentoring a young person. And ask yourself, “Who was an important mentor in my life when I was growing up?” You might decide that you have the desire and time to share a few hours a month with a young person.

There are many children between the ages of 6 and 14 on the waiting list in Haywood County seeking and adult mentor. Jessica is a 9-year-old girl who loves going to the playground, playing board games, is a good reader but could benefit from someone to read to, likes to swim, would love to learn to cook and bake. She also does well in school and is well behaved.

Wilson is a 9-year-old boy, loves computers, science, playing with Legos, riding his scooter, sports, also well behaved and would love a guy to hang out with.

Waynesville area mentors are needed but there is a surge of children in the Canton/Clyde/Bethel area.

To learn more about becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister or about serving on a local BBBS advisory council, call 273-3601 or visit www.bbbswnc.org.